Ussy: Discover Menhirs, the Church and the Arboretum

When planning your trip to Ussy, it is worth distinguishing between four themes: the Neolithic menhirs, the medieval parish church of Saint-Martin, a long nursery tradition with an arboretum, and the Les Pépinières walking trail. Each offers a different perspective on the town—from prehistoric context and heritage protection to later restorations, plant diversity and a landscape strongly shaped by human activity.

Menhirs at Le Pot and La Braulette

La Pierre du Pot is a menhir in the hamlet of Le Pot in Ussy. The stone dates from the Neolithic period and has been classified as a historic monument since October 26, 1945. These details relate to two different periods: the dating places the menhir in prehistoric times, while the classification date indicates its later protected status.

Another menhir, Pierre de la Hoberie, is located in La Braulette in Ussy. It, too, has been classified as a historic monument since October 26, 1945. Both menhirs are privately owned. Bear this in mind when planning your visit, and do not assume that access is unrestricted. Comparing the two stones is still informative: they are in different named locations in Ussy and share the same protected status, while La Pierre du Pot is additionally explicitly dated to the Neolithic period.

Saint-Martin: Construction and restoration

The Eglise paroissiale Saint-Martin, the parish church in Ussy, dates from the 14th century. In the last quarter of the 19th century, it was restored by architects Pelfresne and Lamotte. To understand the timeline, it is helpful to distinguish the original construction date from the later restoration: the restoration is part of the building’s history, but does not change its 14th-century date. Those interested in historic buildings will therefore find both a medieval origin and a later intervention associated with two architects known by name.

The Arboretum and Nursery Tradition

The Ussy Arboretum was established in the town center in 1987. Nursery owners from Ussy and the surrounding area planted nearly 80 species there. Visitors can discover tree species from the United States and around the world. The site thus offers a tangible glimpse of the diversity of trees, while its creation is also linked to the local knowledge and commitment of nursery owners.

Nursery work has continued in Ussy since the 18th century, although cultivation methods have evolved. This long continuity does not mean that the work has remained unchanged. The arboretum and the nursery tradition offer two complementary perspectives: one focuses on the planted collection and the different origins of the tree species, while the other highlights an activity carried on over a long period, with methods that have changed over time.

Les Pépinières and the Landscape

Les Pépinières is a walking trail in Ussy. Its landscape is described as varied and strongly shaped by human activity. This offers a distinct perspective alongside the individual architectural and garden-related themes: the trail represents a landscape whose character cannot be explained by natural features alone. Trail conditions can change, so check the current state of the route before setting out.

These themes are easy to distinguish when planning your trip: the menhirs represent prehistoric remains and heritage protection, Saint-Martin offers architectural history, the arboretum showcases plant diversity and the nursery tradition, and Les Pépinières presents a human-shaped landscape. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Ussy, these different interests may factor into your choice of destination. Check the specific offers and conditions during the booking process.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Vigor-Le-Grand, Argences, Vaucelles, Honfleur, Cahagnes, Maisons, Le Mesnil-Villement, Barbery.

For the broader travel overview: Calvados.